It's ok. Not very speedy, though. But comfortable. It's still got the original skinny road tires on it. So I don't do much off-road (unless you count the pot-hole marked wreckage that passes for streets in Philadelphia!)

I'm getting a single-speed road bike from a guy that builds bikes as a hobby, later this week..... and I'm going to ride that for a while 'til I can fashion a flip-flop hub and then switch over to riding a fixed gear.

I'm totally excited about a single-speed! I really want to ride fixed..... to try to discipline myself and get into better cycling shape. So I'll get there, little by little.

Unfortunately, academic research doesn't pay as well as you would think so I'll have to save up and build my dream bike little by little. I haven't done much tinkering with bicycles. I usually just take it to the shop and leave it to the pros. But I'd really like to know more about the mechanics of what I ride.... it's an educational process, for certain!

I've been riding on and off since my dad took the training wheels off Old Red and gave the back of my saddle that final fateful shove. I've loved bicycling ever since: as a leisure hobby, as a way to push myself to get in shape, and as a GREAT way to get around town without hopping in my gas-guzzler. Hell, even when I didn't have a bicycle, I went to spinning classes at my gym!

I'm sorta new to Philly - been here about a year and a half. I'd love to find a local bicycling club, or something. And if anybody has advice on rides in the PA/Jersey/Delaware area, I'd love to hear about new places to explore!